This blog is intended for both companies with a new HeavyBid implementation in the future but also existing users who need to train new estimators. This is more or less a brain dump on what I have seen work and what has been a dismal failure for implementing HeavyBid. It is based on 12 years (not counting my 10 years in the 1990’s) of training experience.

One of the most critical factors in the training is who in the company is what HCSS calls the “Champion”? What works well is where the owner or head estimator is my contact person. I prefer a head estimator but owner/upper management is my second choice. From my experience what doesn’t work is that the implementation is being spearheaded by the IT Department. This has failed every time with no exceptions. It is not really IT’s fault as it is more of a management error in assuming who should implement the software. Sometimes the champion is the company’s controller which I have seen work but it is essential that the estimators know that HeavyBid will be the new estimating platform and there is no option.

Another key to success is the preparation leading up to the training. HCSS gives the new customer a data template and expects the trainer to import the data during the training. What would work better is to import the template many weeks before the training and let the estimators get familiar with the menus and structure. Here is an analogy. You have a son or daughter that you want them to learn how to play a sport. You don’t wait until game day and bring your child to the ball field and they have never even touched the ball. You will take them out yourself and introduce them to the sport, maybe even get coaching lessons. But in just about every one of my trainings the estimators file into the training room having never seen HeavyBid beyond maybe the sales presentations. It just doesn’t make sense to wait until “game day” and then expect any proficiency in two or three days. It is not that unusual that I get there and people don’t know their passwords or don’t even have the software installed correctly.  I can get estimators so much further in terms of HeavyBid knowledge if they start with just some basic knowledge.  Just filling out the data template is not enough (if that even gets done). So my admonition is to be proactive from the day you receive the welcome email from HCSS.  I will do a blog with more detail in the future. Also in the welcoming email from the Professional Services department, there is an outline of very good information. Read the email carefully. DON’T IGNORE IT.

The sooner the customer goes “live” with HeavyBid the better after the training. Do a few estimates in parallel with their existing estimating program and then cut the tie. What doesn’t work is waiting months after the training to let the estimators go live. I have never really seen this work well and most of the time I am back training them like it was a new implementation. It is a waste of training dollars. Go live as soon as possible and every week delay is a liability.

Our sales department is the best out there. They know the software. If they say “that is not a good idea” or “I don’t recommend that” they are giving good advice that needs to be listened to. For example, having two or more standalone systems instead of a multiuser is a terrible solution that the salesperson will advise against. Listen to them – they will give good advice. Really try to understand what they recommend on the version that is the best fit for your company.

I can spend three or four days with experienced HeavyBid estimators so I have always wondered how anyone can expect to set up and learn the software in two? I can get a company so much further in three or four days of training. I have probably 4,000 hours in fine-tuning my knowledge of HeavyBid, just a fact. Why not take advantage of a trainer’s knowledge and really get HeavyBid much further down the road, harnessing their knowledge and add that extra day of training. Also virtual training is about 30 to 40% less effective than having the trainer in your office. The exception would be maybe where one person is being trained. I can’t emphasize how important it is for the trainer to have eyes on the faces and be in the room listening. Unless there is some overwhelming reason you cannot have a trainer in your office be sure the training takes place in person.

This has been a complete mystery to me. Why do companies new to HeavyBid, especially those who do bid public work, not have a trainer on-site for their first bid day with HeavyBid? They would get more HeavyBid training and it is an insurance policy that best practices are being followed. Some of my best training has been when I arrive at a customer’s office for training and the estimators have to get an estimate out. We jump in and do it! Now, this usually occurs where HeavyBid is already set up but I have done it after we get the Master estimate set up on the first day of training. It is the best investment a company can probably make in insuring HeavyBid success.

Well I hope this helps someone and thanks for taking the time to read it.